Latest news with #MelissaReddy
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
SA-born sports journalist exits Sky Sports
South African-born journalist Melissa Reddy is one of seven presenters who have now parted ways with the British sports broadcaster Sky Sports. According to the UK-based publication Daily Mail, Reddy and her colleagues were recently informed that their roles had been made redundant. An insider told the publication that this was not a cost-cutting decision, but rather one aimed at ensuring their football audience is better served. Reddy first joined the network in 2022 as a senior football reporter, following her role as deputy editor of Kick Off magazine in South Africa. Others affected by the recent move include Teddy Porter, Jasper Taylor, Jeremy Langdon and Ladumo Olow. She has since taken to Instagram, highlighting that while one chapter has come to an end, another opportunity lies ahead. She also hinted that she might be releasing her own book, sharing stories of some of her greatest experiences. 'Eleventh! Season of Premier League coverage done, and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them, but I'm genuinely so excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions,' she wrote. 'For those that have been asking for the past five years, yes – that will include new books.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melissa Reddy (@melissa_reddy) She later added that she had received numerous well-wishes and support from many industry colleagues and those in the sporting fraternity, before concluding: 'You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark.' Also see: ' I feel things' – Mac G opens up about DSTV axe The post South African sports reporter's journey ends with Sky Sports appeared first on Bona Magazine.
The South African
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Melissa Reddy axed by Sky Sports, breaks silence on 'abuse'
South African journalist Melissa Reddy has confirmed her departure from Sky Sports, revealing plans to return to book writing after a three-year tenure as a senior reporter at the UK-based broadcaster. Reddy, known for her in-depth Premier League coverage – particularly focused on Manchester United and Liverpool – was part of a wave of staff exits announced this week, which also included veteran presenter Rob Wotton, following the cancellation of The Football Show . Other well-known names leaving Sky include presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor, as well as long-serving reporter Jeremy Langdon, senior reporter Fadumo Okow, and a news editor. Taking to Instagram, Reddy confirmed her exit while teasing a new professional chapter. 'Eleventh season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky,' she wrote. 'I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them. But I'm genuinely sooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon… YES – that will include new books.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melissa Reddy (@melissa_reddy) Reddy, who made a name for herself through bold reporting and breaking exclusives, added that she's looking forward to focusing on her 'strengths and passions', with writing clearly among them. Melissa Reddy also used her statement to address the racism and sexism she has faced throughout her career. 'After the first press conference I covered in England, a journalist turned to the press officer and said: 'Why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you?!'' Despite the abuse, Reddy affirmed her resilience. 'I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work… You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark.' Her message resonated across the industry, drawing support from colleagues including Formula One presenter Natalie Pike, who said, 'Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry.' Football commentator Pien Meulensteen and presenter Reshmin Chowdhury also expressed admiration and support. As one of the most recognisable female sports reporters of colour in the UK, Melissa Reddy's departure is seen as a significant shift in Sky Sports' newsroom. However, her move marks not a retreat, but a pivot to new creative ventures – with her audience eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Axed Sky Sports star's vile 'abuse' she suffered and what she'll do next
Axed Sky Sports star's vile 'abuse' she suffered and what she'll do next Melissa Reddy is one of seven prominent members of staff who have left Sky Sports News, with the broadcaster's Premier League coverage set for another reshuffle Melissa Reddy will depart her role at Sky Sports this summer (Image:) Melissa Reddy has opened up about the abuse she suffered while working as a Sky Sports presenter and her plans to return to the literary world following her TV departure. After joining Sky as a senior reporter three years ago, Reddy became a familiar face on the network, discussing all the latest news and gossip in the Premier League. The South African reporter delved into some of the biggest stories in football, mainly focusing on Manchester United and Liverpool. However, it was confirmed on Wednesday that she would be departing her role with Sky Sports, alongside six other colleagues. Popular presenter Rob Wotton has also left, following a 27-year tenure, after the cancellation of The Football Show programme that he fronted. Presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are set to say their farewells to Sky Sports News this summer as well, having spent 18 and 11 years respectively in their roles. Longtime star Jeremy Langdon is another star set to leave, after a 20-year career with the broadcaster. Senior reporter Fadumo Okow and another news editor are set to depart their roles with the network too. Reddy's exit has made the most headlines due to her stature in the network, but the 38-year-old is already setting her sights on the next chapter of her career. In a long statement on Instagram, she said (via the Mirror): "ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them. "But I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years, YES - that will include new books." Melissa Reddy has been a familiar face on Sky Sports for years (Image:for Sky Sports ) Reddy delved into the many challenges she has faced throughout her career as a sports journalist. She openly shared that the situation hasn't much improved since her early days, but expressed gratitude for the support she's received. She continued: "After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said, 'Why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you?!' "I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas... the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below "You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark. The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues - people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade - carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let's cook." Messages of support poured in for Reddy via her social media post, with many former colleagues sending their best wishes for her future endeavours. Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pike said: "Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry." Commentator Pien Meulensteen said: "Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next." Meanwhile, presenter Reshmin Chowdhury added: "Keep shining, my lovely! Can't wait to see what's cooking."
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘The abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases:' Melissa Reddy leaves Sky Sports
Melissa Reddy is among the seven journalists that UK media company Sky Sports is letting go as they look to modernise their coverage. SA brodcastr Melissa Reddy has opned up about her time at Sky Sports as she leaves the channel. Picture: melissa_reddy/Instagram South African broadcaster Melissa Reddy has bid farewell to Sky Sports and in her farewell message highlighted the xenophobia, misogyny and racism that she experienced during her time. 'After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said 'why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs',' she said in a long post on her Instagram account. The 38-year-old broadcaster's name was among the seven journalists that UK media company Sky Sports let go of as they look to modernise their coverage. Reddy joined Sky in 2022; however, she has been covering the Premier League for more than a decade. 'Eleventh season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. 'I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them but I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions,' she said. ALSO READ: American Music Awards box Tyla as she wins Afrobeats Artist of the Year despite call for diversity Reddy taking abuse In a message on Instagram, Reddy said that despite her years of experience as a senior broadcaster, she still had to contend with those who questioned her as a woman, an expat and a person of colour. 'I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas… the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. 'I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work.' Despite this, Reddy said she made some great memories during her time at Sky. Her Instagram post included photos of her interviewing Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim, as well as another shot of her outside Liverpool's training ground. Of the 20 photos and videos of her time at Sky, the most heartwarming is probably the one of Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah noticing her before walking down the tunnel at Old Trafford and stopping to hug her. 'The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues – people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade – carry more weight than any of the nasty noise.' Fellow sports broadcaster South Africa's Mpho Maboi said Reddy was a beacon of pride. 'You're such a beacon of pride for some of us. Proudly flying the SA flag and doing it with aplomb. 'All the best on your new journey. Onwards and upwards.' NOW READ: Trevor Noah questioned over silence on Trump's claim of 'white genocide' in SA
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Axed Sky Sports presenter opens up on abuse and details new career path
Axed Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy has disclosed her intention to dive back into the literary world following her parting with the broadcaster. After a three-year tenure as a senior reporter, Reddy will leave Sky Sports this summer. During her stint, the South African journalist reported on some major stories within the Premier League, particularly focusing on Manchester United and Liverpool clubs. However, Sky confirmed on Wednesday that Reddy, along with six colleagues, would be leaving their posts. This comes in the wake of the cancellation of The Football Show, leading to long-standing presenter Rob Wotton's exit after 27 years. Other presenters like Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor will be departing from the channel this summer after dedicating 18 and 11 years respectively. Jeremy Langdon, a familiar face for two decades, is detaching from Sky Sports News, with senior reporter Fadumo Okow and a news editor also on the way out. The announcement of Reddy's departure stands out amongst these significant exits, but she seems set for a fresh chapter in her career, reports the Mirror. Reddy took to Instagram to express her mixed feelings: "ELEVENTH! ! ! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them. "But I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years, YES - that will include new books." Reddy opened up about the abuse she has experienced during her career as a sports journalist. She lamented that little had changed since her early industry days, though she expressed gratitude for the supportive messages she's received. "After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said 'why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you? !'" Reddy recounted. "I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas... the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work. "You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark. The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues - people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade - carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let's cook." As Reddy moves on to new challenges, well-wishes pour in from her former colleagues. Formula 1 host Natalie Pike remarked, "Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry." Sports commentator Pien Meulensteen commented, "Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next." Meanwhile, presenter Reshmin Chowdhury encouraged her, "Keep shining, my lovely! Can't wait to see what's cooking."
